Visitors to Cuba often flock to Havana, or the more touristy areas like Varadero. But if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination in Cuba, look no further than the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. This peninsula is home to some of the most pristine natural landscapes on the island. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush jungles, Guanahacabibes is a nature lover’s paradise. And if that’s not enough, this region is also home many endemic species, as well as legends of bravery and romance. So if you’re looking for an adventure, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula is definitely worth a visit!
Located in the province of Pinar del Río, the Guanahacabibes peninsula is the westernmost point of the island of Cuba. The closest population of people being more than two hours away. But what Guanahacabibes Peninsula lacks in human activity, it compensates for with vibrant natural wildlife.
In 1987 UNESCO declared this Cuban peninsula a Biosphere Reserve. He did it with just cause, because there stands the Guanahacabibes National Park. It is one of the largest in Cuba, home to two nature reserves, Cabo Corrientes and El Veral.
Guanahacabibes National Park is especially a delight for those who like bird watching. There are hundreds of species, many of them endemic.
On the other hand, in Guanahacabibes it is possible to enjoy a full diving experience, being that it has preserved coral reefs. There are also many archaeological sites that show the life and customs of the aboriginal peoples who inhabited this region of Cuba.
Obligatory step are the many caves in the area, highlighting the Perjucio, and Las Perlas. The latter is a true natural jewel that has on the floor of one of its spaces shines beautiful pearls of various sizes and shapes.
Legends of Guanahacabibes
We recommend starting your journey of legends at the Cave of La Sorda. Which, according to speleologists, is 51 meters long. It has a circular structure, with its humid environment and a giant stalagmite in the center.
Legend has it that there are still two women there. One of them, turned into an animal like an alligator and the other, into majá. Both were bewitched by their own father to eternally guard a treasure hidden in the cavern. For centuries, people have been saying that whoever breaks the spell on this rock formation will be rewarded with buried gold coins.
If you journey through Gururú, Carabelita, Bolondrón, and Santa Cruz today,you might still be able to smell the death that occurred there centuries ago.
There settled Spaniards and free blacks dedicated to the production of charcoal, the felling of trees and the production of honey. After a long day of work, the men felt exhausted and had fewer options for fun without women around. Perhaps that is why, when a woman arrived in those places, the disputes over her were such that they only ended with death. The victor then received the lady’s favors.
Maria La Gorda a diver’s paradise
Further east, touching the coast, is the so-called Playa María la Gorda. According to “María la Gorda was an indigenous Venezuelan woman brought by force on a pirate ship and abandoned to her fate. Others characterize her as the daughter of a Spanish navigator who was shipwrecked in those domains.
Some say that the corpulent woman settled in the Ensenada de Corriente, in the extreme west of Cuba, and to survive she provided food and female company to the crew of every ship that ventured through the area.
Maria La Gorda is a diver’s paradise.The place might be complicated to get to. But it more than makes up for this with reefs that have been well preserved at a chilled-out diving camp.
Thus, one after another the legends of Guanahacabibes follow one another. Many of them linked to brave women, who suffered punishments or who simply had the misfortune of coming into the world to please male desires.
An unforgettable experience with VC Tours
VC Tours offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and its legends. With experienced tour guides, VC Tours provides an unforgettable experience for those interested in nature, history, and culture.
You will have to feel up close the smell of mountain in Cabo de San Antonio, and discover the caves, lakes and rivers that make this place a natural paradise. VC Tours also offers the chance to scuba dive in some of the most beautiful reefs in Cuba.
So, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Guanahacabibes Peninsula with VC Tours!